Method, terminal device, and program

Abstract

A method to be performed by a terminal device includes: receiving option information indicating an option from an information processing device via a communication unit; outputting the option via an output unit; receiving an input of one or more options selected by a user via the input unit; transmitting selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing apparatus via the communication unit; receiving delivery occasion information from the information processing apparatus via the communication unit, the delivery occasion information indicating a delivery occasion determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information; and outputting, via an output unit, the delivery occasion together with the one or more options.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, a terminal device, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Heretofore, there has been a technique for providing a quotation for a customized product. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-245446 (JP2009-245446A) discloses a system that uses a relational database to centrally manage data to be accessed by each department when creating a quotation for a customer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When a user selects an option when purchasing a vehicle, it is possible that the user cannot grasp the influence of the selected option on the delivery timing of the vehicle and cannot use the delivery timing to consider the purchase of the option. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the technique for assisting the user when purchasing vehicle options.

[0004] A method according to a first aspect of the present invention is a method to be executed by a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a controller. The communication unit is configured to communicate with an information processing device configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options. The method includes: receiving, by the controller via the communication unit, option information from the information processing device, the option information indicating at least one of vehicle options; outputting, by the controller via the output unit, at least one of the vehicle options; receiving, by the controller, an input of one or more selected options selected by the user via the input unit from at least one of the vehicle options; sending, by the controller via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more selected options to the information processing device; receiving, by the controller via the communication unit, delivery timing information from the information processing device, the delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; and outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more selected options.

[0005] In the method according to the above aspect, at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information may be a plurality of vehicle options, the selection information may include a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options, the delivery timing information may indicate a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets, and the method may further include outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings.

[0006] The method according to the above aspect may further include outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings in an order starting from the earliest delivery timing together with the plurality of selection sets.

[0007] The method according to the above aspect may further include: receiving, by the controller via the communication unit from the information processing device, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option among the options of one or more selections indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate option being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period when not selected; and outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the deletion candidate option in a prominent form.

[0008] In the method according to the above aspect, the delivery timing information may include the delivery timing in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information, and the method may further include outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the updated delivery timing, the updated delivery timing being the delivery timing updated in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option.

[0009] In the method according to the above aspect, the another option may include a vehicle option that has been selected by a user other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0010] The method according to the above aspect may further include: receiving, by the controller via the communication unit from the information processing device, information indicating a period related to the option of one or more selections indicated by the selection information and affecting the determination of at least one delivery timing; and outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the period.

[0011] The method according to the above aspect may further include: receiving, by the controller via the communication unit from the information processing device, estimation information indicating an estimated price in the case where the option of one or more selections indicated by the selection information is selected; and outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the estimated price.

[0012] A terminal device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a controller, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options. The controller is configured to: receive, via the communication unit from the information processing device, option information indicating at least one of the vehicle options; output, via the output unit, at least one of the vehicle options; receive an input of one or more selected options selected by the user via the input unit from at least one of the vehicle options; send, via the communication unit to the information processing device, selection information indicating the one or more selected options; receive, via the communication unit from the information processing device, delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; and output, via the output unit, the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more selected options.

[0013] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information may be a plurality of vehicle options, the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets includes a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options, the delivery timing information may indicate a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings is determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets, and the controller may be configured to output the plurality of delivery timings via the output unit.

[0014] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the controller may be configured to output, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings together with the plurality of selection sets in an order starting from the earliest delivery timing.

[0015] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the controller may be configured to: receive, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options among one or more selected options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate options being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period when not selected; and output the deletion candidate options in a prominent form via the output unit.

[0016] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the delivery timing information may include the delivery timing in the case where a deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information, and the controller may be configured to output, via the output unit, the updated delivery timing, which is the delivery timing updated in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option.

[0017] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the another option may include a vehicle option that has been selected by a user other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0018] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the controller may be configured to: receive, via the communication unit, information indicating a period related to one or more selected options indicated by the selection information and affecting the determination of at least one delivery timing from the information processing device; and output the period via the output unit.

[0019] In the terminal device according to the above aspect, the controller may be configured to: receive, via the communication unit, estimation information indicating an estimated price in the case where one or more selected options indicated by the selection information are selected from the information processing device; and output the estimated price via the output unit.

[0020] The program according to the third aspect of the present invention uses a computer serving as a terminal device to perform operations. The terminal device includes an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a controller. The communication unit is configured to communicate with an information processing device that is configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options. The operations include: receiving, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one of the vehicle options from the information processing device; outputting, via the output unit, at least one of the vehicle options; receiving an input of one or more selected options selected by the user via the input unit from among the at least one of the vehicle options; sending, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more selected options to the information processing device; receiving, via the communication unit, delivery timing information from the information processing device, the delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; and outputting, via the output unit, the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more selected options.

[0021] In the program according to the above aspect, at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information may be a plurality of vehicle options, the selection information may include a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options, the delivery timing information may indicate a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets, and the operations may further include outputting the plurality of delivery timings via the output unit.

[0022] In the program according to the above aspect, the operations may further include outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings together with the plurality of selection sets in an order starting from the earliest delivery timing.

[0023] In the program according to the above aspect, the operations may further include: receiving, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options among the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate options being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined time period when not selected; and outputting the deletion candidate options in a prominent form via the output unit.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, the technology for assisting a user in purchasing vehicle options can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2Ais a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2B is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2C is a flowchart showing the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating options indicated by selection information output to a terminal device, deletion candidate options, delivery timing, and updated delivery timing; and Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating options indicated by selection information output to a terminal device, deletion candidate options, delivery timing, updated delivery timing, and a time period affecting the determination of delivery timing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, descriptions of the same or corresponding parts are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0027] will be described with reference to Figure 1 the configuration of system 1 according to the present embodiment. System 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a terminal device 20. The information processing device 10 is configured to communicate with the terminal device 20 via a network 30.

[0028] The information processing device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 10 is operated by an operator selling vehicle options. The information processing device 10 provides a sales website for vehicles and vehicle options.

[0029] The terminal device 20 is carried by a user. The terminal device 20 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a PC. The term "PC" is an abbreviation for "personal computer".

[0030] The network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. The term "WAN" is an abbreviation for "wide area network". The term "MAN" is an abbreviation for "metropolitan area network". The network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Examples of wireless networks include ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. The term "LAN" is an abbreviation for "local area network".

[0031] First, an overview of this embodiment will be given, and then a detailed description of this embodiment will be given. The terminal device 20 receives option information indicating at least one option (vehicle option) from the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 outputs at least one option and receives an input of one or more options (selected options) selected by the user from the at least one option. The terminal device 20 sends selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 receives delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information from the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 outputs the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more options. In one embodiment, wireless transmission and reception are performed between the terminal device 20 and the information processing device 10 via the network 30.

[0032] Vehicle options can be selected and purchased by the user when purchasing a vehicle. Vehicle options are options that can be selected by the user in addition to or instead of the standard equipment of the vehicle to be purchased. Specifically, the options include any kind of body color, seat material and color, seat heater, navigation device, door mirror, rear view monitor, air purifier, etc. According to this embodiment, the vehicle delivery timing is displayed on the terminal device 20 together with the options selected by the user. Therefore, the user can know the influence of option selection on the delivery timing. The user can use the delivery timing to consider the purchase of the vehicle, thereby improving user convenience. Thus, the technology for assisting the user in selecting options can be improved.

[0033] Reference will be made to Figure 1 Describe the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0034] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU or GPU) or a processor dedicated to specific processing. The term "CPU" is an abbreviation for "central processing unit". The term "GPU" is an abbreviation for "graphics processing unit". Examples of programmable circuits include FPGAs. The term "FPGA" is an abbreviation for "field-programmable gate array". Examples of dedicated circuits include ASICs. The term "ASIC" is an abbreviation for "application specific integrated circuit". The control unit 11 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0035] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. Examples of semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, and flash memories. The term "RAM" is an abbreviation for "random access memory". The term "ROM" is an abbreviation for "read only memory". Examples of RAM include SRAM and DRAM. The term "SRAM" is an abbreviation for "static random access memory". The term "DRAM" is an abbreviation for "dynamic random access memory". Examples of ROM include EEPROM. The term "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for "electrically erasable programmable read only memory". Examples of flash memories include SSDs. The term "SSD" is an abbreviation for "solid-state drive". Examples of magnetic memories include HDDs. The term "HDD" is an abbreviation for "hard disk drive". The storage unit 12 serves as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information for the operation of the information processing device 10 and information obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0036] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE 802.11. The term "IEEE" is an abbreviation for "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers". The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the information processing device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information to be used for the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0037] Reference will be made to Figure 1 Describe the configuration of the terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment. The terminal device 20 includes a control unit (controller) 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 of the terminal device 20 may be similar to the hardware configurations of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the information processing device 10, respectively. The description thereof will be omitted here.

[0038] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. Examples of the input interface include physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices, touchscreens integrated with a display, and microphones. The input unit 24 receives an operation for inputting data to be used for the operation of the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external input device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. Any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used as the connection method. The term "USB" is an abbreviation for "universal serial bus". The term "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for "high-definition multimedia interface".

[0039] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. Examples of the output interface include a display and a speaker. Examples of the display include an LCD and an organic EL display. The term "LCD" is an abbreviation for "liquid crystal display". The term "EL" is an abbreviation for "electroluminescence". The output unit 25 outputs data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20. The output unit 25 may be connected to the terminal device 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the terminal device 20. Any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used as the connection method.

[0040] The functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 are implemented by executing the program according to the present embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 are implemented by software. This program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20, thereby causing the computer to serve as the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20. That is, the computer serves as the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 by executing the operations of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 in accordance with the program.

[0041] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a ROM. For example, the program is distributed by selling, transferring, or leasing a portable medium that stores the program, such as an SD card, a DVD, or a CD-ROM. The term "SD" is an abbreviation for "secure digital". The term "DVD" is an abbreviation for "digital versatile disc". The term "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for "compact disc read only memory". The program can be distributed by storing the program in a memory of a server and transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program can be provided as a program product.

[0042] For example, the computer temporarily stores the program stored in the portable medium or the program transferred from the server in the main storage device. Then, the computer causes the processor to read the program stored in the main storage device, and causes the processor to execute processing in accordance with the read program. The computer can directly read the program from the portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. Whenever the program is transferred from the server to the computer, the computer can execute processing in accordance with the received program. The processing can be executed by a so-called ASP service in which the function is implemented only by executing instructions and obtaining results without transferring the program from the server to the computer. The term "ASP" is an abbreviation for "application service provider". This program includes information provided for processing by an electronic computer and equivalent to the program. For example, data that is not a direct command to the computer but has the nature of defining the processing of the computer is "information equivalent to the program".

[0043] Part or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 can be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit serving as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. That is, part or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 or the terminal apparatus 20 can be implemented by hardware.

[0044] Reference will be made Figures 2A to 3 to describe the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. Among the operations shown in Figures 2A to 2C , the operation of the terminal apparatus 20 corresponds to the method according to the present embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that communication between the information processing apparatus 10 and an external apparatus is performed via the communication unit 13 and the network 30, and communication between the terminal apparatus 20 and an external apparatus is performed via the communication unit 23 and the network 30. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 10 has acquired information on a vehicle for sale that a user wants to purchase.

[0045] In Figure 2A S1, the control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 transmits option information indicating at least one option to the terminal apparatus 20. In this example, the at least one option is a plurality of options.

[0046] In S2, the control unit 21 of the terminal apparatus 20 receives and acquires the option information.

[0047] In S3, the control unit 21 outputs the at least one option indicated by the option information via the output unit 25.

[0048] In S4, the control unit 21 receives, via the input unit 24, an input of one or more options selected by the user from the at least one option output in S3, and generates selection information indicating the one or more options. In this way, the control unit 21 acquires the selection information. The control unit 21 may receive, via the input unit 24, an input of at least one selection set including a plurality of options selected by the user, and generate the selection information. The at least one selection set may be a plurality of selection sets. In this example, it is assumed that the user inputs, via the input unit 24, a first selection set including a plurality of options (i.e., body color "white", seat type "synthetic leather", and navigation device "type X"), and a second selection set including a plurality of options (i.e., body color "blue", seat type "genuine leather", and navigation device "type Y"). The control unit 21 receives the input and acquires the input as selection information including the first selection set and the second selection set.

[0049] In S5, the control unit 21 transmits the selection information indicating one or more options to the information processing apparatus 10.

[0050] In S6, the control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 receives and acquires the selection information.

[0051] In S7, the control unit 11 determines the delivery timing based on the option indicated by the selection information. Any method can be used to determine the delivery timing. For example, when each option indicated by the selection information is selected, the control unit 11 refers to the information indicating the number of days of the period added to the standard delivery date used as the standard delivery timing, and determines the option with the largest number of days among the options indicated by the selection information as the target option. This information can be preset and stored in the storage unit 12. The information indicating the standard delivery date can be prestored in the storage unit 12 in association with the vehicle for sale. The control unit 11 determines the date calculated by adding the number of days related to the determined target option to the standard delivery date as the delivery date used as the delivery timing. The delivery timing is not limited to the date, but can be indicated by the month or by the "first ten days", "middle ten days", or "last ten days" of the month. The delivery timing can be indicated by the time.

[0052] For example, assume that the options indicated by the selection information are body color "red", seat material "genuine leather", and navigation device "type X". Assume that the number of days added to the standard delivery date for each option is 2 days for the body color "red", 8 days for the seat material "genuine leather", and 10 days for the navigation device "type X", and the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the navigation device "type X" as the target option, and determines April 11, 2024, calculated by adding 10 days to the standard delivery date, as the delivery date.

[0053] The method for determining the delivery date is not limited to this. The control unit 11 can determine the delivery date by referring to the information indicating the number of days of the period associated with the option, simply adding these numbers of days together, and adding the resulting number of days to the delivery date. This information can be prestored in the storage unit 12. For example, assume that the options indicated by the selection information are body color "green" and sunroof "type Q". Assume that the number of days associated with the options is 1 day for the body color "green" and 10 days for the sunroof "type Q", and the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 can add 11 days, calculated by adding 1 day and 10 days together, to the standard delivery date, and determine April 12, 2024, as the delivery date.

[0054] When the selection information includes multiple selection sets, the control unit 11 can determine the delivery timing for each selection set. In this example, assume that for the options in the first selection set indicated by the selection information, that is, body color "white", seat material "synthetic leather", and navigation device "type X", the number of days added to the standard delivery date is 5 days for the body color "white", 4 days for the seat material "synthetic leather", and 10 days for the navigation device "type X". Assume the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the navigation device "type X" as the target option, and determines April 11, 2024, calculated by adding 10 days to the standard delivery date, as the delivery date for the first selection set. Assume that for the options in the second selection set indicated by the selection information, that is, body color "blue", seat material "genuine leather", and navigation device "type Y", the number of days added to the standard delivery date is 3 days for the body color "blue", 8 days for the seat material "genuine leather", and 0 days for the navigation device "type Y", and the standard delivery date is April 1, 2024. The control unit 11 determines the seat material "genuine leather" as the target option, and determines April 9, 2024, calculated by adding 8 days to the standard delivery date, as the delivery date for the second selection set.

[0055] In S8, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a deletion candidate option that, if not selected, would advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period. In this example, when the number of days related to the target option determined in S7 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is a deletion candidate option and proceeds to S10. When the number of days related to the target option determined in S7 is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines that there is no deletion candidate option and proceeds to S9. The predetermined value can be preset and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0056] In this example, the predetermined value is 10 days. Among the options in the first selection set, the number of days added to the standard delivery date for the target option (that is, the navigation device "type X") is 10 days. Since this number of days is equal to or greater than the predetermined value of 10 days, the control unit 11 determines that there is a deletion candidate option in the first selection set. Among the options in the second selection set, the number of days added to the standard delivery date for the target option (that is, the seat material "genuine leather") is 8 days. Since this number of days is less than the predetermined value of 10 days, the control unit 11 determines that there is no deletion candidate option in the second selection set. The processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to S10 for the first selection set and to S9 for the second selection set. The control unit 11 can repeat the processing from S8 to S14 for all selection sets in the selection information.

[0057] A description will be given of the case where the control unit 11 determines in S8 that there is no deletion candidate option and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S9. In S9, the control unit 11 sends delivery timing information indicating the delivery timing determined in S7 to the terminal device 20. Then, the operation of the system 1 proceeds to S17.

[0058] In Figure 2B S10, the control unit 11 determines whether there is another option that can replace the deletion candidate option. For example, when the option indicated by the option information includes an option of the same type as the deletion candidate option and having fewer days than the deletion candidate option as the period added to the standard delivery date used as the standard delivery timing, the control unit 11 determines that there is another option. When there is no option having fewer days added to the standard delivery date than the deletion candidate option, the control unit 11 determines that there is no other option. When it is determined that there is no other option, the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S11. When it is determined that there is another option, the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S12.

[0059] In this example, there is an option of the navigation device "Type Y", which is of the same type as the navigation device "Type X" that is the deletion candidate option in the first selection set, and the number of days added to the standard delivery date is less than the number of days added to the standard delivery date by the deletion candidate option. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that there is another option, and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S12.

[0060] A description will be given of the case where the control unit 11 determines in S10 that there is no other option and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S11. In S11, the control unit 11 determines the delivery date as the updated delivery timing in the case where the deletion candidate option is deleted. In this case, the control unit 11 deletes the deletion candidate option in the selection set and determines the target option having the largest number of days as the period added to the standard delivery date used as the standard delivery timing among the remaining options in the selection set. The control unit 11 determines the date calculated by adding the number of days related to the determined target option to the standard delivery date as the updated delivery date used as the updated delivery timing.

[0061] Next, a description will be given of the case where the control unit 11 determines in S10 that there is another option and the process of the control unit 11 proceeds to S12. In S12, the control unit 11 determines another option to replace the deletion candidate option.

[0062] Any method can be used to determine another option. For example, when there are multiple options of the same type as the deletion candidate option and having fewer days added to the standard delivery date than the deletion candidate option, the control unit 11 can determine the option with the smallest number of days as another option. In this example, the control unit 11 determines the navigation device "Type Y" as another option.

[0063] For example, the control unit 11 can determine, as another option, an option of the same type as the deletion candidate option and that has been selected by users other than the user equal to or greater than a predetermined value of times. The predetermined value can be stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 can determine another option by referring to the information stored in the storage unit 12 and indicating the option purchase history of other users. For example, assume that the number of days added to the standard delivery date for the navigation device "Type Y" and the navigation device "Type Z" is less than the number of days added to the standard delivery date for the deletion candidate option "Type X". Assume that among the navigation devices "Type Y" and "Type Z", "Type Z" has been selected by other users equal to or greater than the predetermined value of times. In this case, the control unit 11 determines "Type Z" as the option to replace the deletion candidate option "Type X". Thus, the popular option selected by other users is used as a replacement for another option, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will accept and purchase another option.

[0064] In S13, the control unit 11 determines, as the updated delivery date as the updated delivery timing, the delivery date that serves as the delivery timing in the case of replacing the deletion candidate option with another option determined in S12. In this example, the control unit 11 replaces the navigation device "Type X" in the first selection set with another option (i.e., the navigation device "Type Y"), and determines the target option having the largest number of days added to the standard delivery date in the first selection set. In this example, the number of days added to the standard delivery date is 5 days for the body color "White", 4 days for the seat material "Synthetic leather", and 0 days for the navigation device "Type Y". As in S7, the control unit 11 determines the option of the body color "White" as the target option, and determines April 6, 2024, calculated by adding 5 days to the standard delivery date of April 1, 2024, as the updated delivery date.

[0065] In S14, the control unit 11 sends to the terminal device 20 deletion candidate option information indicating the deletion candidate options, and delivery timing information indicating the delivery timing determined in S7 and the updated delivery timing determined in S11 or S13. The control unit 11 may include in the deletion candidate option information another option to replace the deletion candidate option, and send the deletion candidate option information to the terminal device 20. In this example, the control unit 11 sends to the terminal device 20 deletion candidate option information indicating the deletion candidate option "Type X" and another option "Type Y" used as a replacement, and delivery timing information indicating the delivery date of April 11, 2024 determined in S7 for the first selection set and the updated delivery date of April 6, 2024 determined in S13.

[0066] In Figure 2C S15, the control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives the deletion candidate options from the information processing device 10.

[0067] In S16, the control unit 21 outputs via the output unit 25 the deletion candidate option information indicating the deletion candidate options. When the deletion candidate option information also includes another option determined in S12, the control unit 21 may also output the another option in a prominent form.

[0068] In S17, the control unit 21 receives the delivery timing information from the information processing device 10.

[0069] In S18, the control unit 21 outputs via the output unit 25 the delivery timing indicated by the delivery timing information together with one or more options. When the delivery timing information also includes the updated delivery timing determined in S11 or S13, the control unit 21 may also output the updated delivery timing via the output unit 25.

[0070] The control unit 21 may arrange the selection sets indicated by the selection information in the order starting from the earliest delivery timing or the earliest updated delivery timing, and output the arranged selection sets via the output unit 25. Thus, the user can easily and immediately grasp, among the selected selection sets, the selection sets that are combinations of options with earlier delivery timings.

[0071] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the output unit 25 that outputs the first selection set, the second selection set, the deletion candidate options, the delivery date used as the delivery timing, and the updated delivery date used as the updated delivery timing. In Figure 3 it, the selection sets are displayed in the order of the second selection set and the first selection set from the left (i.e., in the order starting from the earliest delivery date). Refer to Figure 3, for the second selection set, the delivery date is April 9, 2024. For the first selection set, the delivery date is April 11, 2024, and the navigation device "Type X" as a deletion candidate option is highlighted with a thick frame. That is, when it is determined that there is another option to replace the deletion candidate option, the output screen is changed to display the other option that replaces the deletion candidate option. In the balloon-shaped frames K and L, the option of the navigation device "Type Y" as another option to be used as a replacement and the updated delivery date determined in S13 when the option is changed to the option of the navigation device "Type Y" are shown respectively. That is, when it is determined that there is another option to be used as a replacement and the updated delivery date is determined, the output screen is changed to display the other option to be used as a replacement and the updated delivery date.

[0072] In this way, the control unit 21 outputs the delivery timing together with one or more options via the output unit 25. Then, the operation of the system ends.

[0073] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, two or more of the blocks in the block diagram may be integrated, or a single block may be divided. Two or more steps in the flowchart may be executed in parallel as needed, or in a different order, or based on the processing capabilities of the device executing the steps, rather than being executed in a time series as described. Other modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0074] For example, when an option indicated by the selection information is purchased, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may send estimation information indicating an estimated price to the terminal device 20. In this case, the terminal device 20 may output the estimated price together with the delivery timing via the output unit 25. The estimation information may include the estimated price in the case where there is another option to replace the deletion candidate option, and the control unit 21 may output the estimated price together with the updated delivery timing. Therefore, the user can easily use the estimated price to consider the option and the delivery timing or the updated delivery timing. Thereby, the user convenience when purchasing an option is improved.

[0075] For example, the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may send information indicating a period related to one or more options indicated by the selection information and affecting the determination of the delivery timing to the terminal device 20. The period affecting the determination of the delivery timing includes the number of days added to the standard delivery date. Not limited thereto, the period affecting the determination of the delivery timing may be the number of days related to the option indicated by the selection information and added together to calculate the number of days to be added to the delivery date. The control unit 21 of the terminal device 20 receives this information and outputs this information via the output unit 25. Figure 4An example of a screen image output on the output unit 25 by the terminal device 20 in this modification example is shown. Refer to Figure 4 , compared with that of the above-described embodiment Figure 3 , the number of days added to the standard delivery date and associated with the option is further shown in the balloon-shaped frames M to R. Therefore, the user can grasp at a glance the degree of influence of each option on the delivery date. Thereby, the user convenience when purchasing options is improved.

[0076] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown below as examples. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Appendix 1 A method to be executed by a terminal device, the terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, characterized in that the method includes: receiving, by the control unit via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device; outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, at least one option; receiving, by the control unit, an input of one or more options selected by the user via the input unit from the at least one option; sending, by the control unit via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device; receiving, by the control unit via the communication unit, delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information; and outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more options. Appendix 2 The method according to Appendix 1, wherein: at least one of the options indicated by the option information is a plurality of options; the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options; the delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and the method further includes outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings. Appendix 3 The method according to Appendix 2 further includes outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings in the order from the earliest delivery timing together with the plurality of selection sets. Appendix 4 The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3 further includes: receiving, by the control unit via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate options being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period when not selected; and outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the deletion candidate options in a prominent form. Appendix 5 According to the method of Appendix 4, wherein: the delivery timing information includes the delivery timing in the case where a deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among one or more options indicated by the option information; and the method further includes outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the updated delivery timing in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option. Appendix 6 According to the method of Appendix 5, wherein the other option includes an option that has been selected by a user other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Appendix 7 According to the method of any one of Appendices 1 to 6, further including: receiving, by the control unit via the communication unit, information from the information processing device indicating a time period associated with one or more options indicated by the selection information and affecting the determination of at least one delivery timing; and outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the time period. Appendix 8 According to the method of any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein further including: receiving, by the control unit via the communication unit, estimation information from the information processing device indicating an estimated price in the case where an option indicated by the selection information is selected; and outputting, by the control unit via the output unit, the estimated price. Appendix 9 A terminal device, including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing device being configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, wherein the control unit is configured to: receive, via the communication unit, option information from the information processing device indicating at least one option; output, via the output unit, at least one option; receive an input of one or more options selected by the user from among at least one option via the input unit; send, via the communication unit, selection information indicating one or more options to the information processing device; receive, via the communication unit, delivery timing information from the information processing device, the delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on one or more options indicated by the selection information; and output, via the output unit, at least one delivery timing together with one or more options. Appendix 10 The terminal device according to Appendix 9, wherein: at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options; the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options; the delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and the control unit is configured to output, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings. Appendix 11 The terminal device according to Appendix 10, wherein the control unit is configured to output, via the output unit, a plurality of delivery timings in the order from the earliest delivery timing together with a plurality of selection sets. Appendix 12 The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 11, wherein the control unit is configured to: receive, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options among one or more options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate options being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period when not selected; and output, via the output unit, the deletion candidate options in a prominent form. Appendix 13 The terminal device according to Appendix 12, wherein: the delivery timing information includes the delivery timing in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among one or more options indicated by the option information; and the control unit is configured to output, via the output unit, the updated delivery timing in the case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option. Appendix 14 The terminal device according to Appendix 13, wherein the another option includes an option that has been selected by a user other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Appendix 15 The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 14, wherein the control unit is configured to: receive, via the communication unit, information indicating a period related to one or more options indicated by the selection information and affecting the determination of at least one delivery timing; and output, via the output unit, the period. Appendix 16 The terminal device according to any one of Appendices 9 to 15, wherein the control unit is configured to: receive, via the communication unit, estimation information indicating an estimated price in the case where an option indicated by the selection information is selected; and output, via the output unit, the estimated price. Appendix 17 A program for performing operations using a computer as a terminal device, the terminal device including an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a control unit, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing device being configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, wherein the operations include: receiving, via the communication unit, option information indicating at least one option from the information processing device; outputting, via the output unit, at least one option; receiving an input of one or more options selected by the user from the at least one option via the input unit; sending, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more options to the information processing device; receiving, via the communication unit, delivery timing information from the information processing device, the delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more options indicated by the selection information; and outputting, via the output unit, the at least one delivery timing together with the one or more options. Appendix 18 The program according to Appendix 17, wherein: the at least one option indicated by the option information is a plurality of options; the selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set in the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of options selected by the user from among the plurality of options; the delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each delivery timing in the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and the operations further include outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings. Appendix 19 The program according to Appendix 18, wherein the operations further include outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery timings together with the plurality of selection sets in an order from the earliest delivery timing. Appendix 20 The program according to any one of Appendices 17 to 19, wherein the operations further include: receiving, via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating deletion candidate options among the one or more options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate options being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period when not selected; and outputting, via the output unit, the deletion candidate options in a prominent form.

Claims

1. A method to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device comprising an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit and a controller, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing device being configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, characterized in that, The method comprises: receiving, by the controller via the communication unit, option information from the information processing device, the option information indicating at least one of the vehicle options; outputting, by the controller via the output unit, at least one of the vehicle options; receiving, by the controller, input of one or more selected options selected by a user via the input unit from at least one of the vehicle options; sending, by the controller via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more selected options to the information processing device; receiving, by the controller, from the information processing device via the communication unit, delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; and The at least one delivery opportunity is outputted by the controller via the output unit together with the one or more selected options.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information is a plurality of vehicle options; The selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set of the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options; The delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each of the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and The method also includes outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the plurality of delivery opportunities.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further includes outputting, by the controller via the output unit, the plurality of delivery opportunities in order from the earliest delivery opportunity together with the plurality of selection sets.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: receiving, by the controller from the information processing device via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option among the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate option being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period of time when not selected; as well as The deletion candidate options are outputted in a highlighted form by the controller via the output unit.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The delivery timing information includes a delivery timing in a case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information; and The method further includes outputting, by the controller via the output unit, an updated delivery timing, the updated delivery timing being an updated delivery timing when the deletion candidate option is replaced by the other option.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The another option includes a vehicle option selected by users other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: receiving, by the controller from the information processing device via the communication unit, information indicating a time period associated with the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information and affecting determination of the at least one delivery opportunity; as well as The time period is output by the controller via the output unit.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: receiving, by the controller, from the information processing device via the communication unit, estimation information indicating an estimated price in a case where the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information are selected; as well as The estimated price is output by the controller via the output unit.

9. A terminal device, comprising an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit and a controller, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicate with an information processing device, and the information processing device is configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, characterized in that: The controller is configured as follows: receiving option information indicating at least one of the vehicle options from the information processing device via the communication unit; outputting at least one of the vehicle options via the output unit; receiving input of one or more selected options selected by a user via the input unit from at least one of the vehicle options; sending, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more selected options to the information processing device; receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; as well as The at least one delivery opportunity is outputted via the output unit together with the one or more selected options.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that: at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information is a plurality of vehicle options; The selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set of the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options; The delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each of the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and The controller is configured to output the plurality of delivery opportunities via the output unit.

11. The terminal device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The controller is configured to output, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery opportunities in order from an earliest delivery opportunity together with the plurality of selection sets.

12. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The controller is configured as follows: receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option among the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate option expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period of time when not selected; as well as The deletion candidate options are output in a highlighted form via the output unit.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The delivery timing information includes a delivery timing in a case where the deletion candidate option is replaced by another option among at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information; and The controller is configured to output, via the output unit, an updated delivery timing, the updated delivery timing being the updated delivery timing if the deletion candidate option is replaced by the another option.

14. The terminal device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The another option includes a vehicle option selected by users other than the user a number of times equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

15. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The controller is configured as follows: receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, information indicating a time period associated with the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information and affecting determination of the at least one delivery opportunity; as well as The time period is output via the output unit.

16. The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The controller is configured as follows: receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, estimation information indicating an estimated price in a case where the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information are selected; as well as The estimated price is output via the output unit.

17. A program for executing an operation on a computer used as a terminal device, the terminal device comprising an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit and a controller, the communication unit being configured to communicate with an information processing device, the information processing device being configured to provide a sales website for vehicle options, characterized in that, The operations include: receiving option information indicating at least one of the vehicle options from the information processing device via the communication unit; outputting at least one of the vehicle options via the output unit; receiving input of one or more selected options selected by a user via the input unit from at least one of the vehicle options; sending, via the communication unit, selection information indicating the one or more selected options to the information processing device; receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, delivery timing information indicating at least one delivery timing determined based on the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information; and The at least one delivery opportunity is outputted via the output unit together with the one or more selected options.

18. The program according to claim 17, characterized in that: at least one of the vehicle options indicated by the option information is a plurality of vehicle options; The selection information includes a plurality of selection sets, each selection set of the plurality of selection sets including a plurality of selected options selected by the user from among the plurality of vehicle options; The delivery timing information indicates a plurality of delivery timings, each of the plurality of delivery timings being determined for a corresponding one of the plurality of selection sets; and The operations also include outputting the plurality of delivery opportunities via the output unit.

19. The program according to claim 18, characterized in that The operations also include outputting, via the output unit, the plurality of delivery opportunities in order from an earliest delivery opportunity together with the plurality of selection sets.

20. The program according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that The operations also include: receiving, from the information processing device via the communication unit, deletion candidate option information indicating a deletion candidate option among the one or more selected options indicated by the selection information, the deletion candidate option being expected to advance the delivery timing by more than a predetermined period of time when not selected; and The deletion candidate options are output in a highlighted form via the output unit.

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